South Okanagan schools remain on partial lockdown

PENTICTON – Four schools, three in Penticton and one in Okanagan Falls, remained on a partial lockdown Thursday with police officers on site after copies of an anonymous and threatening letter were found at two of the schools the day before.

In the letter, the writer threatens to use their father’s guns to shoot people at school in both Penticton and Okanagan Falls.  The writer also complains of being bullied and expresses frustration at their mother’s dealings with the Welfare system. Penticton RCMP have released the letter in hopes of helping them track down whoever is responsible.  Police say at this point they have few leads in the case and are hoping the public can help.

The schools that are on the partial lockdown are Skaha Lake Middle School, Princess Margaret Secondary School, Penticton Secondary School and Okanagan Falls Elementary School.  All doors at the schools are locked except the main entrances, which are being closely monitored.  The Okanagan-Skaha school district has also instructed teachers to keep classroom doors locked  in an effort to enhance security.

Friday is a professional development day and classes are not in session.  Police are hoping to identify the person responsible for the letter by the time school resumes on Monday.